energy coefficients

eco_farmer

hi all,
this is my first post though i have been a lurker for quite a while! So please forgive me if this area has been previously covered.

I have just recieved a qoute for the instalation of a groung heat pump, contained in the qoute were figures for the energy coefficiencies of the product based on my SAP. they were 3.42 at best running and 2.74 at worst. What do they mean? and most importantly how do i use them to work out how much carbon i'll be saving and wether this is the best solution for my heating and hot water. basically will the system mean i am just replacing my current oil use with electricity from the grid or is there a genuine saving!

many thanks in advance

eco

Cardew

There is a bit more information on Heat pumps in the 'Fuel and other heating' section.

There are 2 types of heat pump system. Ground Source and Air Source(GSHP & ASHP)

Essentially heat pumps work on the 'reverse fridge' principle. They extract heat from the ground or air and pump that heat into your house.

The term Co-efficient of Performance(COP) is used to measure the gain of the system. A COP of 3 means that you will get 3kWh output of heat for 1 kWh input. So you will get between 2.74 and 3.42.

Some systems come with a thermal store where you can use Economy 7 to heat water for later use.

GSHPs are very expensive to install' there is some thought that they will reduce in price soon.

WARNING
This is a field where 'cowboys' are starting to operate, so be very careful!!!!
Get some detailed written quotes and talk to the Energy Saving Trust.